These numbers might be a bit harrowing, but they certainly highlight the importance of a strong resume. While many on the job market go to extreme measures to get the attention of employers, such as buying space on a billboard or creating a book about themselves, there are lots of other ways you can make your application stand out.

One of the most crucial things to remember?

Knowing the five major types of resumes, as well as when to use them.

Surprised to learn there’s more than one type of resume format out there? Keep reading for more.

1. The Chronological Resume

Of all the types of resumes we’ll discuss in this post, the chronological resume is the most common.

Here, you’ll list your work history in reverse chronological order (meaning you’ll start with your current job first.) Listing your education, special skills, and any languages you speak? Place the most important information at the top of each section of your resume.

Always make sure you specify the location of your past jobs, as well as the length you held the position.

Be certain that you list the responsibilities and skill set that each position required through the use of bullet points.

However, don’t get bogged down with too many details.

Remember, the point of a chronological resume is to list as many of your past jobs as possible. You can get more specific about your responsibilities and experience in the interview.

Most of all, keep your resume clean and easy to read. To help with this, many applicants use a resume builder or template.

If you’re not certain which type of resume you ought to use when applying for a position, or if a specific format of resume is not requested, it’s safe to assume the hiring manager wants you to use a chronological resume.

2. A Targeted Resume

While it’s important to make an effort to slightly tweak your resume according to the requirements of the position you’re applying for, a targeted resume takes it to the next level.

When you create a targeted resume, you’ll usually rearrange your list of skills and past work experience to highlight what makes you an ideal candidate.

For example, if you’re applying for a copywriting position, you might place your work experience as an editor for a local magazine at the top of your resume — even if you held the position two years ago.

Especially if you’re applying for multiple positions at once, it can be tempting to send the same resume out to each potential employer. However, if you want to increase your chances of getting hired or are especially serious about a position, creating several targeted resumes that work within specific industries is a smart idea.

3. The Mini Resume

Of all the types of resumes on our list, the mini resume is likely the least common. Sometimes, if you’re applying for a position abroad, the company may be more interested in getting a mini resume from you than a chronological or targeted one.

The same goes for positions that are expected to have an unusually high volume of applicants.

A mini resume is actually much closer to a short bio than a list of your experience, and may even include a picture.

Keep things concise when writing your mini resume. Remember, the idea is to get the potential company interested in learning more.

4. The Functional Resume

Next up on our list of the five most common types of resumes? The functional resume, which requires a more detailed explanation of your past work experience.

While it’s smart to include a few points explaining the specifics of your position in a chronological resume, in a functional resume it’s the priority.

You’ll often list fewer jobs. But you’ll also go into greater detail about the ones that are most relevant to the potential position. You should discuss the number of people you managed, any special projects you created, and whether or not you completed any continuing education along the way.

Sometimes, you may even be requested to provide supplemental information, like a writing sample or a portfolio of your work. Again, this is what helps potential employers to see why you’re the perfect candidate. Make sure your portfolio is relevant to the position at hand.

Finally, a functional resume is the perfect opportunity to subtly conceal any gaps in your employment, without being deliberately sneaky or misleading.

5. A Combination Resume

As the name implies, a combination resume includes elements from both the functional resume and the chronological one.

In a combination resume, you’ll be able to extend the descriptions of your past work a bit more than you would in a strictly chronological one.

As opposed to using bullet points, you can even include one or two brief sentences describing what you did at your past jobs. This helps employers to get a better idea of what to ask you during the interview process.

You’ve Mastered The Five Main Types Of Resumes

Thanks to this post, the job of your dreams is closer than ever.

Understanding the five types of resumes proves to potential employers that you take the job application process seriously and that you’ve done your research about the specifics of a company.

When you’re ready to meet your next employer, spend some time on the Classifieds section of our website. Better yet, list your skill set and experience to make it easier for hiring managers to find you.